DARREN FERGUSON admitted that his managerial education was just beginning and this was a painful lesson.

SUNDERLAND manager Mick McCarthy was a happy man after seeing his side end their 14-game wait for a victory by dumping Conference North side Northwich out of the FA Cup.

Tile and flooring specialist Topps Tiles today said the home improvements market remained buoyant after forecasting annual profits ahead of market expectations.

Takeover talk surrounded the JD Sports chain today after its founder slashed his shareholding nearly in half.